A structured and long-term objective program to create a strong foundation in woodworking skills
The role of parents and teachers is to expose children to a variety of materials so that they can create art. Once the variety is offered, children will then have a choice as to whether they want to use the materials or not. But without the exposure, there is no choice.
Creating art is a fine way for children to make choices and solve problems. Every step involves making a decision: what color to use, how to make a line, what size to make something. With every choice they make, the object becomes more and more their own.
As an apprentice, your child will learn the fundamentals of woodworking and carpentry, while making a number of items by themselves. Essential trade skills such as hand sawing, drilling and shaping in addition to using their right brain skills of visualisation and drawing. They will develop their problem-solving skills, craftsmanship and overall dexterity. The students will be taught how to use a number of power and hands tools safely and properly by themselves, without supervision.
Focus on design and slow learning
The apprentice will be required to draw his designs by hand, and clarify design objectives prior to starting to build. Completing the item as quickly as possible is NOT the objective.
Pre-requisites
Ability to draw in 2D and 3D by hand, unwavering interest in developing foundational skills in carpentry, time and financial commitment for a minimum of 6 months, strong learning ethics, work discipline.
LOTS to learn!
Theory of wood:
Basic theory of wood, types and species available, identification of wood, different types of processed wood such as plywood, block board etc, and what to look for when buying these. How to identify quality of plywood
Design & form:
Clarify your thought process about how the item you want to make will be used and so, what design elements to incorporate – joinery, type of wood, type of finish etc. You will also learn to think in 3D and sketch some essential perspective drawing
Power tools you will use:
Table saw, mitre saw, jig saw, planer, bench router, hand-held router, cordless drill and drivers, pneumatic nail gun, random orbit sander, finish sander, and many shop-made machines and jigs as necessary for the project
Hand tools you will use:
Saw, jack plane, block plane, rasps, screw drivers, sanding blocks, chisels, mallet, various measuring instruments
Techniques you will learn:
Measuring, how to layout cuts for optimum material usage, dimensioning – hand and machine sawing, planing of solid wood, different types of joinery, sanding, applying different types of finish such as staining, PU or hard-wax oil using the ragging technique or roller/brush
Furniture care
How to to maintain solid wood furniture so that they last a life time and beyond
Product photography
Learn to setup and shoot quality photographs of the items you complete
The success of the apprenticeship is NOT measured by the number of items produced…
… but rather by the clarity of thought in applied design, workmanship and knowledge of fundamental principles of carpentry. Broadly, the apprentice will make a few items but will use all required techniques in making those items.
Items to be made will be decided in consultation with the instructor. These items are classified into three broad categories: Shop projects & jigs, assigned projects, personal projects.
Assigned projects focus on learning fundamental wood working techniques such as wood milling, hand tools skills, joinery, shaping and finish. By the end of each quarter, the apprentice will make one personal project in addition to assigned projects. Some examples of personal project are:
- Personal workbench
- Student desk
- Display cabinet
- Bookcase
Every Sunday: 4 hours / session
Choose option of quarterly / half-yearly booking slots
The fees includes tuition, tools and materials required. Each item will be made of solid wood or high-quality plywood – as appropriate to the item to be made. Only quality finishes will be applied to keep the item long lasting and food-safe where applicable.
Note: A sufficient amount of wood materials required for the duration of the course is included in the price. Wood required for personal projects must be paid for additionally by the student.
Safety Precautions
Safety glasses and ear muffs are available for use during the workshop. A dust mask and ear plugs will be provided for personal use. These are to be retained for the entire duration of the course. A ₹100 fee will be charged for replacement of the set.
Every student must sign a safety declaration form before the start of the workshop – this is a mandatory prerequisite to joining the class. Please bring a signed copy on the first day of the class.
Clothing
It is important to dress properly while working in a workshop. Students should wear pants/jeans/shorts and half-sleeve T-shirts/shirts/tops. Students should not wear full sleeves, flowing fabrics and loose-fitting outfits. Shoes are mandatory. A cap is recommended. Long hair must be tied in a ponytail or a bun.